Florida House Subcommittee Backs Farmers in Advancing HB 129

The Florida House Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee passed HB 129, legislation that protects farmers' continued access to essential crop protection tools and reaffirms the federally approved label is the law.

"HB 129 gives Florida farmers the certainty they need to stay competitive and continue feeding our nation," said Modern Ag Alliance Executive Director Elizabeth Burns-Thompson. "I and the over 100 ag groups represented by the Modern Ag Alliance applaud the Florida House Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee for standing with Florida farmers over extreme anti-ag activists, helping avert a crisis that would threaten America's food supply."

HB 129 reaffirms that federal product labels are the legal standard—and that companies can't be subject to meritless lawsuits simply for following federal law.

This legislation is backed by broad, bipartisan public support. The Modern Ag Alliance's recent Ag Insights Survey found that 80% of Floridians, including 96% of farmers, are more likely to support leaders who stand with farmers on ag policy. HB 129 is also supported by the Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association, the Florida Justice Reform Institute, the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association, the Florida Retail Federation, and the Southern Crop Production Association.

Crop protection tools help farmers control invasive weeds, keep yields high and costs low, and implement conservation practices. For example, 80% of corn and 89% of all cotton acres in Florida rely on the most commonly used herbicide. This essential product is also used in 72% of orange and 63% of grapefruit groves—helping power the state’s $11 billion agriculture economy.

"The Modern Ag Alliance commends Representatives Grow, Nix, and Koster, as well as the Civil Justice Subcommittee members for standing up for Florida farmers," added Burns-Thompson. "We look forward to working with other Florida legislators to ensure farmers have the tools they need to keep our food abundant and affordable."

About The Modern Ag Alliance

The Modern Ag Alliance is a diverse coalition of agricultural stakeholders advocating for U.S. farmers’ access to the crop protection tools they need to ensure we have a robust and affordable domestic food supply. To learn more, visit modernagalliance.org.